MAY 21, 2009 ISSUE
Commissioners Host Public Hearing on 2009-10 Proposed Budget
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners hosted a public hearing on the proposed 2009-10 budget on Tuesday, May 19, but not before reiterating that the upcoming fiscal year would be difficult, to say the least.
Watauga County Manager Rocky Nelson once again stated that his staff’s recommended budget was $4 million less than the current year’s budget and contains cuts in most all areas, with the exception of nonprofits, which, for the most part, remained at the current year’s funding levels. What’s more, Nelson reminded the commissioners and residents that due to the potential effect of economic conditions on the fiscal year 2009-10 revenue stream, the budget will have to be closely monitored throughout the year. Any revenue shortfalls that may occur will have to be addressed, he continued, possibly resulting in further cuts.
During the commissioners’ budget work sessions on May 11 and 12, Nelson discovered an additional $35,000 in projected revenues for fiscal year 2009-10—$15,000 in building permit fees and $20,000 in register of deeds fees. The projected revenues translate into new expenditures: $10,000 for the spay and neuter fund for the Watauga County Humane Society, $5,000 for a new playground on Beech Mountain and additional funding for the Watauga for Youth Committee, Community Care Clinic and county maintenance.
Board Chair Jim Deal commended Nelson and his staff for their work on the budget, which, he said, took upwards of 2.5 months to complete. Deal explained that one of the difficulties in creating the budget for the next fiscal year is that the state keeps changing sales tax revenue projections, often on a weekly basis. Over the past few months, the projections keep getting lower, Deal said, which makes it hard to be sure of how much money will be available.
“People should realize that sales tax is important. It’s almost half the budget,” said Deal, who added that he doesn’t want to mislead the public with projections when the revenue stream is somewhat unknown.
Deal also noted that most county nonprofits’ funding is not cut in the proposed budget, but instead remains at the current year’s levels. The budget actually increases funding for some nonprofits, such as the Community Care Clinic.
“We recognize that nonprofit services are needed now more than ever in difficult times and we have responded to that, I hope,” said Deal.
Five Watauga County residents spoke during Tuesday’s public hearing—three requested funding, or more funding, and two thanked the commissioners for their proposed allocations.
Harris Prevost, vice president of Grandfather Mountain and treasurer of the Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary, Inc., asked the commissioners for $4,000 in the 2009-10 budget and $4,000 in the 2010-11 budget to help Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary, Inc. reach its mission of bringing national attention to the Parkway and building a sustainable Parkway for future generations.
Stella Anderson spoke on behalf of the Watauga County Board of Elections and requested $1,200 in additional funds for fiscal year 2009-10 to support expenses for board members who will have to travel to state board of elections training in September. Anderson reminded the commissioners that the board of elections applied for $85,000 in grants during fiscal year 2008-09, which lessened its financial burden on the county.
Robin Triplett, a parents-to-teachers counselor for The Children’s Council, thanked the commissioners for funding in fiscal year 2009-10, especially because the program’s Smart Start funding was cut.
Kathy Copely, Watauga Humane Society board member, thanked the commissioners for their positive response to the society’s grant application and for funding in fiscal year 2009-10.
Lynne Mason, executive director of the Hospitality House, thanked the commissioners for funding in fiscal year 2009-10 but asked for $2,500 more to fund the Hospitality House’s whole request. Mason said plans for the new Hospitality House were moving along nicely, but that the new shelter couldn’t come quick enough—the nonprofit has been past occupancy every night for the past year.
“I can assure you we will take into account all that we have heard tonight,” said Deal.
According to Nelson, the final budget must be finalized and approved by June 30, as required by state statute.
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